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The polls have opened across Texas for the Democratic and Republican primaries and voters must remember to bring a valid photo ID. (Published Tuesday, March 4, 2014)

Updated at 5:15 PM CDT on Tuesday, Mar 4, 2014

Texas is the first state in the country to hold primary elections this election cycle and there are several races that people are keeping a close eye on.

Some of the big races include the races for governor and lieutenant governor — but the Republican and Democrats will face each other in November. Today's primary could still have major importance, however, especially in the race for Lt. Governor where David Dewhurst is fighting for his nomination.

Additionally, the primaries may decide who ends up being the next representative in each role, especially if turnout for Democratic candidates is low in November.

If you want to make sure you can vote there are some very important things to remember before heading out. One of the most important things is making sure you have a photo ID.

“This is one of the first elections, statewide, that the photo ID is in effect,” said Tarrant County Elections Administrator Steve Raborn. “It was used last November, but this is probably a larger election.”

Raborn said the photo ID has to be current and should not be expired for more than 60 days.

He also said there have been some changes in polling locations in Tarrant County this year.

“Voters do need to check ahead of time to know where their polling place is,” said Raborn, “Unlike early voting, where you can go to any location, on election day you have to go to your assigned polling place.”

There is some concern about the weather impacting people coming to the polls.

Raborn said in Tarrant County, which has now recovered from Monday's ice, they are hoping for a 15- to 20-percent voter turnout. Polls across the state close at 7 p.m. Remember, though, part of West Texas falls in the Mountain Time Zone; polls there will close at 8 p.m. CT.